The UK's longest-running half marathon has shattered all records before the first runner even crosses the start line. With 15,000 confirmed entries for next March 15th, the BTR Liverpool Half Marathon and its sister 10-mile race have hung the 'sold out' sign in record time—taking just one hour to clear the final remaining slots, marking a 25% growth compared to last year.
Relocation to Hill Dickinson Stadium
The major technical update for 2026 lies in the shift of the race's logistical epicenter. For the first time in its 32-year history, the race is moving its traditional start from Pier Head to Hill Dickinson Stadium, the new home of Everton FC. This change of venue isn't just for aesthetics; it addresses the need to manage a field of athletes that has outgrown the capacity of previous editions. Runners will set off at 09:30, a strategic schedule adjustment to facilitate rail transport flow and access to the northern docklands.
A redesigned, more urban circuit
The 13.1-mile course has undergone a deep overhaul. Critical sections like Otterspool Park and the Promenade have been removed, replaced by a route that prioritizes the tarmac of the historic city center. Participants will face an opening four-mile section through the heart of the city, passing under the Chinese Arch and in front of the imposing Liverpool Cathedral before tackling the climb up Upper Parliament Street—the only serious leg-breaker in an otherwise flat profile.
For middle-distance specialists, the Liverpool 10 Mile shares this new start, splitting from the main pack near Sefton Park. Both races will converge again for the final stretch at King’s Dock, heading towards the finish line at the iconic Pier Head under the watchful gaze of the Liver Birds. This design aims not only to improve flow for recreational runners but also to protect the course records currently held by Dejene Gezimu (1:05:52) and Caroline Brenchley (1:17:54), who both capitalized on the speed of the Merseyside asphalt.